40th Anniversary Gala: Oh, What a Night!

On Thursday, May 25, Wayside held its 40th Anniversary Gala at the Warren Conference Center in Ashland, MA.

The evening was a throwback to 1977, so we knew we were in for some great outfits - and our guests didn't disappoint! We had great auction and raffle items on display, as folks bid eagerly on some terrific items.

As guests enjoyed their dinner, our speaking program zipped along. After a greeting from our emcee, Board Chairperson Gregg Andonian, the Rt. Reverend Bishop Ilia Katre gave a wonderful blessing. A short time later, Eric Masi started off, reminiscing about the early years and showing how far we've come since 1977. Then Board Member Kimberly McClure gave an impassioned speech highlighting the impressive impact Wayside has made on the community. Sean Gilpatrick, a Wayside social worker and clinician, then shared his story about a young man named Billy who had achieved his dreams. Reverend Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd followed Sean with a rousing speech inspired by the Wiz: "Ease on Down the Road!"

At the end of the program, our emcee Gregg asked folks to pull out their phones and text donations to Wayside. The goal was $1977 in honor of the year we were founded and we were delighted that, 5 minutes later, we had raised more than $5,500.

One of the highlights of the night was a surprise presentation to Wayside President & CEO Eric L. Masi, Ed.D. The Board of Directors and Senior Staff of the agency commissioned a beautiful granite sculpture of a leaf, a mini version of which was given to Eric that night. The sculpture has a lot of meaning to us. Leaves symbolize hope and renewal, which is what Wayside provides for so many children and families, while the granite represents strength and resiliency, two of Wayside’s core values.

The event raised close to $40,000.

Thanks to our sponsors, including:

Advocates, Inc.

Framingham State University

Justice Resource Institute

Keith Construction

Krokidas & Bluestein

Gerard T. Leone, Jr.

Masi Research Consultants

Janice and Eric Masi

Dominick and Karen Tolson

USI New England

Thanks to our committee for making it all happen - Kimberly McClure, Cheryl Aglio-Girelli, Sara McCabe and Michelle Grasso.